To raise monies for supplies, toys, and other small items to make children comfortable while in the Arkansas Children's Hospital, Mitchell Collins collects pop tabs for recycling. Once a child cancer patient himself, Mitchell knows what these children experience and feels that if he can, he must help others. He has also gotten involved in volunteering efforts toward the Howard County Children's Center for the mentally disabled.

The center refers to its students as “clients,” eschewing restricting labels. The center has a recycling area where they recycle newspaper, paper, cardboard, and aluminum cans. Students and staff take all the tabs off to give to Mitchell, and they will not let anyone other than Mitchell collect them.

Mitchell always seeks out ways to help others. While working at a benefit for Howard County Children's Center, he also gave his time to the Trailblazers 4-H club, which has helped him contact various clinics and centers. His efforts have won him praise and high regards at the Arkansas Children's Hospital as well.

When he was only three years old, doctors diagnosed Mitchell with a brain tumor. Doctors removed the tumor, and he underwent six weeks of radiation at CARTI in Little Rock. Mitchell Collins' spirit, big heart, and joyful drive have won all kinds of converts and friends to his cause. It seems like all of Pike County has gotten involved in his collection project: Schools, senior citizens groups, and businesses have taken to removing tabs and tops and placing them in collection boxes and jars. Mitchell has created a project for people of all ages, and all to benefit those who need our support the most.

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